A recent incident at a church service in Minnesota has ignited significant outrage and prompted stern warnings from religious leaders. The Rev. Patrick L. Wooden Sr. addressed his congregation with determination, making it clear that such disruptions will not be tolerated in his place of worship. This follows a protest against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) that violently interrupted a service on January 18.
During the protest, anti-ICE activist William Kelly confronted police officers, launching a barrage of insults and accusations. Shouting “traitors” and demanding how they felt about “protecting a pedophile,” Kelly’s behavior showcased the rising tension surrounding immigration enforcement in recent months. The situation escalated as congregants experienced shock and fear during the disruption.
Rev. Wooden harnessed this experience to deliver a resolute message, particularly aimed at potentially disruptive activists and notable public figures involved in such protests. He explicitly called out former CNN host Don Lemon, who had streamed footage of the chaotic scene. “Y’all see where them people invaded that church the other day? Now, I just want to say to protesters and all of them, don’t do that here. Don Lemon. Don’t come here,” Wooden declared, effectively warning against similar acts in his church.
Wooden passionately described the church’s formation, illustrating the hard work, collective effort, and sacrificial giving invested into that spiritual community. “We built the church in the name of the Lord. We dedicated it to the Lord,” he said, emphasizing the emotional and financial sacrifices made by congregants over the years.
In dramatic fashion, Wooden warned anyone contemplating a disruption, stating, “You roll up in this church doing stuff like that, and it’s going to be the royal rumble. And the funny thing is, I’m not joking.” This rhetoric underscores the seriousness with which he views the sanctity of his church and the safety of his congregation. His fierce resolve signals a line drawn in the sand against any attempts to challenge that sacred space.
The pastor further denounced the actions of those who might disrupt services, expressing his concern for the safety of all attendees, particularly children. “Some people who have never darkened the door of the church and never contributed one dime to it, going to roll up in here and disturb our service and scare our children and shout obscenities in the church,” he asserted. Wooden’s repetition of “that will not stand” served to drive home the point that such behavior will face immediate and decisive consequences within his congregation.
The legal ramifications of the protest have also been significant. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced Kelly’s arrest, labeling the protest as an assault on the religious freedom of congregants. She underscored this position by stating that multiple arrests were made in connection to incidents that posed threats to churchgoers.
Additionally, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem detailed that Kelly faced serious charges, including conspiracy to deprive rights and violations of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act, crafted to protect places of worship from obstruction and disturbance. This legal framework reaffirms the seriousness of interfering with religious practices in the U.S.
This incident reflects broader societal tensions regarding protests and civil disobedience, particularly as they intersect with deeply cherished traditions and community values. The Rev. Wooden’s poignant remarks resonate with many who believe in protecting places of worship from external disruptions. His message is one of resilience, asserting the church’s right to remain a sanctuary for all who seek solace and peace, free from the chaos of social activism that sometimes spills over into sacred spaces.
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